Johnny Manziel's first start for the Cleveland Browns did not go as planned and now criticism is coming from far and wide questioning the quarterback's talent. Manziel did little to impress in his first time under center in the NFL, but the Browns did not exactly do much to help him out either. Now, as he prepares for his second start against the Carolina Panthers, head coach Mike Pettine is coming to the defense of Manziel and his potential in the league.
Criticism for Manziel has been pouring out of NFL circles. Former Browns players are saying that Manziel is a waste and the team needs to do a better job of developing quarterback talent. ESPN analyst Merril Hoge is saying the person who drafted Manziel to the Browns should be fired immediately. Former quarterback Bernie Kosar also spoke out against having Manziel as a quarterback. However, Pettine does not see things that way and he is speaking out in defense of his quarterback.
"I think that's a little dramatic. I know I talked about this before when sometimes guys will make comments that are a little bit over the top," Pettine said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I have a lot of respect for Bernie. He was one of my favorite guys growing up, heck of a quarterback. He's entitled to his opinion, but being here on the inside of it and seeing what we're building."
Manziel is aware that his performance on the field in Week 15 left a lot to be desired. The quarterback told the media that if he wants hype he must play better and that is something he did not do in his first start. Now the quarterback will try to bounce back against the Panthers and will need all of his teammates to help in the effort. NFL reporter Pam Oliver stirred the pot saying that certain teammates appeared to act cold towards Manziel almost like they did not support him as a starter. The quarterback denied that is an issue.
"Sure, guys have obviously come up to me and kept me up because it's hard,'' Manziel said. "Obviously like I said, it's the first shutout for me in my career and it leaves a sour taste in everyone's mouth, but the biggest thing that's helped me is being in this building and these guys obviously aren't letting one game get to us and get too down. Really, this is my sanctuary. This is where I need to be in here and know that these people in this building have my back and this place is really the best for me.''
The quarterback will rely heavily on Josh Gordon and Andrew Hawkins in the pass game along with tight end Jordan Cameron. Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West will be needed to step up in the run game as well if the Browns are going to get a win.